How this calculator works
This is a clothing-fit description, not a health score or a judgement of appearance. Measurements are converted to inches and compared with the five categories in Appendix I of the Chrimes study. Some proportions do not match. The study did not use top-hourglass or inverted-triangle categories, so this page does not invent rules for them. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
Using inches: hourglass requires bust - hip <= 1, hip - bust < 3.6 and either bust - waist >= 9 or hip - waist >= 10. The other categories compare the same differences and, for bottom hourglass or spoon, high hip/waist with 1.193.
Worked example
Bust 36 in, waist 26 in, hips 36 in gives hourglass: the bust and hips are equal and the waist difference is 10 in. Measurements 34, 30 and 35 in give rectangle.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Where is high hip?
It is an upper-hip circumference distinct from the fullest hip measurement. Keep the measurement site consistent with the garment-fitting method.
What if I get no match?
The chart is incomplete by design. A tailor can assess garment fit without forcing a category.
Can this assess health?
No. These apparel categories were designed for clothing research and cannot measure fitness or disease risk.